Verna S. Johnson

BESSEMER, Mich. - Verna S. Johnson, 87, of East Colby St., died Sunday, Aug.2, 2015, in Bessemer.

She was born April 11, 1928, in Calumet, daughter of the late Matt and Hilda (Moilanen) Jurmu.

She attended Calumet schools. Verna was employed in Detroit by Burroughs Corporation and National Biscuit. She also worked at many nursing homes. She loved knitting and crocheting. She also enjoyed cooking and baking for family and friends. Verna was well known for her pasties and homemade bread. She especially enjoyed teaching her grandchildren about cooking. She loved watching "Finnish Calling" with Carl Pellonpaa, Verna was a member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Ironwood.

On Jan. 22, 1948, she was married to Thurston Johnson in Laurium. He preceded her in death on Feb. 2, 1979.

She is survived by three sons, David Johnson, Dennis (Kathy) Johnson and Gary Johnson, all of Bessemer; four daughters, Judy (Jim) DeHut and Diane Johnson both of Bessemer, Mary (Daniel) Yurchak of Ironwood, Kelly (Clyde) Palosaari of Calumet, 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Connie Aho; a grandson, Tommy Johnson; eight brothers, William, Richard, Emil, Joe, Carl, Raymond, and infants John and Eino; four sisters, Violet Kumbo, Lillian Heikkinen, Helen Belopavlovich and Mildred Hendrickson.

Verna was also preceded in death by her special companion and beloved dog Bailey.

Funeral Services will be held at the Apostolic Lutheran Church, 326 West Aurora St., in Ironwood on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015, at 11 a.m. CST. Rev Bruce Estola will officiate. Verna's family will receive relatives and friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Thursday. A luncheon will follow the service in the church hall.

Pallbearers will be Jeremy Johnson, Brad Krapu, Clyde Palosaari, Cory Perlich, Michael Jacobson and Todd Pattengale. Burial will be in the Waasa Cemetery, Hancock Township. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. EST on Friday, Aug. 7, 2015, with Rev. Ken Toth.

Verna's family would like to thank her 24-hour caregiver. Todd Pattengale. and Regional Hospice.

Range Funeral Service Inc. and the Frick-Zielinski Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Private online condolences can be sent to [email protected].